Toyota's global cumulative sales of hybrid vehicles have topped the four million mark as of April 30 2012. TMC calculates that since 1997, its hybrid vehicles have led to approximately 26 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions being emitted, compared to if those cars were normal cars of similar size and performance.

It all started in 1997, when Toyota launched the Coaster Hybrid EV in August and the first ever Prius. The latter was the world's first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle and sales began in North America and Europe in 2000.

The second-gen Prius came in 2003. By now Toyota's hybrid system was used on minivans, SUVs, RWD sedans and compact hatchbacks. The third-gen Prius launched in May 2009 was well received around the world, leading to cumulative sales of Toyota's hybrids topping three million by the end of February 2011.

Fast forward and Toyota currently sells 18 hybrid passenger vehicle models in around 80 countries worldwide. This year, hybrid cars have accounted for 15% of TMC's global sales. With the Yaris Hybrid scheduled for launch in Europe and the Lexus ES 300h for the USA, figures are bound to grow.

Toyota sells the Prius and Prius c in Malaysia. Click here to read all about the duo.